Which statement accurately describes software-defined networking?

Software-defined networking (SDN) fundamentally alters the traditional networking paradigm by decoupling the control plane from the data plane. This separation allows for more centralized and programmable control of the network, enabling greater flexibility, management efficiency, and responsiveness to changing network demands. Instead of being tied to specific hardware, SDN architecture allows for the use of software to manage network resources dynamically, which can lead to improved scalability and innovation in network management.

By distinguishing these two layers—control and data—SDN enables the use of standardized protocols and interfaces that can be programmed to facilitate diverse network management strategies and policies. This programmability is one of the key characteristics that empower organizations to implement advanced network configurations and automation.

The other statements present misconceptions about SDN. For instance, it does not rely solely on specialized hardware; instead, it promotes the utilization of standard hardware. Programmability is a core feature of SDN, allowing users to control the network dynamically. Furthermore, SDN is not inherently restricted by bandwidth limitations in the way suggested; it is designed to optimize and manage resources according to network conditions rather than operate within fixed constraints.